x, 186 p. ; 24 cm

About a quarter of all democracies in the contemporary world legally oblige their citizens to vote, making this an important aspect of electoral systems in many settings. The study systematically examines the history of the institution, the normative arguments for and against it, and the influence it has on a range of political phenomena. These include electoral campaigns, political attitudes, electoral integrity, and legitimacy, policy outcomes, and turnout. It also considers the feasibility of introducing compulsory voting in a contemporary democracy, as well as variations on the institution designed to broaden its appeal.--Publisher's description

Includes bibliographical references (p. [163]-178) and index

Introduction -- A history of compulsory voting and an overview of contemporary experience -- Normative arguments for and against compulsory voting -- Compulsory voting and election campaigns -- Compulsory voting and electoral turnout -- Compulsory voting, electoral integrity and democratic legitimacy -- Compulsory voting and political outcomes -- Conclusion

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